The Giants and Vikings are both eliminated from postseason contention, but these games still matter one way or another.
New York is in a three-way tie for the worst record in the league, meaning draft picks are at stake. Meanwhile, Minnesota is looking to build on some momentum from J.J. McCarthy in recent weeks. Perhaps that growth can be a stepping stone for a big 2026.
Minnesota is a three-point favorite and -148 on the moneyline, while New York is +124 on DraftKings Sportsbook. The game total is set at 43.5 points.
Here are my favorite player props for this Week 16 NFL game between the Giants and Vikings.
Giants vs. Vikings Best Prop Bets
Wan’Dale Robinson over 53.5 receiving yards (-114)
The Giants don’t elicit much excitement at this point thanks to a handful of critical injuries. The team has lost eight straight, with its last win coming on Oct. 9 in Week 6. One of the few players that’s worth betting on is Wan’Dale Robinson.
The fourth-year wide receiver is a target machine now that he’s taken over WR1 duties. He’s recorded at least eight targets in six straight games with four of those in double digits. Understandably, his receptions over/under is set at 5.5. It’s too tight of a line for my liking, especially against a solid Vikings defense.
Instead, I prefer over 53.5 receiving yards because Robinson can breakout for long receptions at any time. Furthermore, the Giants are likely to lean on their passing since the Vikings should play with the lead. Minnesota is on a two-game win streak, and McCarthy looks much better under center compared to earlier this year.
Between injuries, target volume and potential game script, Robinson is in line to record over 53.5 receiving yards.
J.J. McCarthy over 1.5 passing touchdowns (+107)
The season stats aren’t pretty, but McCarthy has certainly found some rhythm in the past couple weeks. He’s led the team to two straight victories, totaling five passing touchdowns and one interception. The passing volume still isn’t high, and the completion percentage can improve, but he’s pieced together two solid performances nonetheless.
To be fair, these came against the Commanders and Cowboys—two teams that lack much defensive integrity. That said, McCarthy faces another porous defense from the NFC East this week: the Giants. New York is tied for the worst record in the league and allows the third most yards and fourth most points. Despite some big names, the Giants’ defense isn’t providing much resistance to either the run or pass.
The Vikings could attack either way, but playing through McCarthy makes more sense. With the team eliminated from postseason contention but not bad enough for a high draft pick, it gives McCarthy a few games to focus on his improvement.
McCarthy is behind in his development, but some of that has to do with injuries. Giving him opportunities to shine in these games would be beneficial for the organization’s future. Sure, the Vikings could get a lead and run the clock out, but that doesn’t do much for McCarthy’s development. Allow him to build upon his two-game win streak and record over 1.5 passing touchdowns for the third straight game.
Theo Johnson anytime touchdown (+260)
It’s been a while since Theo Johnson scored a touchdown—since Week 9 to be exact. But this scoreless stretch hasn’t been due to lack of production. Johnson remains a top target for Jaxson Dart, with the tight end recording over 70+ receiving yards in three of five games since last scoring a touchdown.
Although the Vikings have a potent defense, especially against the pass, the Giants shouldn’t get shutout. Johnson’s 6-foot-6 frame gives Dart a great target in the endzone. If someone’s going to score for New York, it should be Johnson.
